Boat Rocker hires Lionsgate alum Noel Hedges to lead acquisitions, content strategy

Noel Hedges

Former Entertainment One (eOne) exec Noel Hedges has joined Canada’s Boat Rocker Studios as senior VP of global acquisitions and content strategy.

Hedges will oversee strategic IP acquisitions, rights ownership and coproduction partnerships in the newly created role, which is based out of Boat Rocker’s London, UK office.

He will begin the position early next month, ahead of Mipcom, and report to Boat Rocker Studios’ president of global content and rights Jon Rutherford.

Hedges was previously the executive VP of acquisitions and international distribution at eOne, which was acquired by Lionsgate in late 2023. He held the role of exec VP of acquisitions and coproductions at Lionsgate before exiting at the end of 2025. He has also held executive roles at DRG, Cineflix Media, Shine Group and ITV Studios.

“In addition to his wealth of experience, Noel is extremely well-regarded throughout the industry, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Boat Rocker Studios team,” said Rutherford.

“This is an exciting time for our company as we continue to execute on our strategic priorities, with a clear focus on investing in great IP and maximizing its value across our business.”

Hedges added: “I’m excited to join Boat Rocker at a time when the company is investing so deliberately in distinctive, high-quality IP. I look forward to working with the team to source ambitious projects and strengthen and expand Boat Rocker’s already impressive content portfolio.”